MODEL
Tesla Model S Later Release
NHTSA safety across every Tesla Model S Later Release model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Tesla Model S Later Release we cover (2023 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Tesla Model S is a full-size electric luxury sedan that has long positioned itself at the top of the EV performance hierarchy. Aimed at tech-forward buyers who want premium refinement alongside serious range and acceleration, the 2023 Model S competes against the best from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. It is a flagship product in every sense, and its safety profile deserves the same scrutiny as its headline performance numbers.
For the 2023 model year, the Tesla Model S earns a perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Exceptional band. That is the strongest rating our federal data source awards, and it is not a figure to dismiss. On rollover resistance, the Model S achieves a full 5 out of 5 stars, a result that reflects the structural advantage of a low, floor-mounted battery pack lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. Frontal and side crash-test star ratings are listed as not rated in the data we cover, so shoppers who want a complete star-rating picture should verify whether additional testing has been conducted through NHTSA or IIHS directly. What stands out equally is the recall and complaint record for this model year: zero recalls and zero owner complaints on file. No reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are attributed to this vehicle in the dataset. It is worth noting that NHTSA complaint data reflects unverified consumer allegations, and a count of zero can reflect either a genuinely clean record or simply low reporting volume for a lower-volume model. Taken together, the 2023 Model S presents a strong safety picture, but the absence of full frontal and side star ratings leaves a small gap in the story.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Tesla Model S as one of the most accomplished luxury sedans available, praising its blistering performance, long electric range, and over-the-air software capability. Most acknowledge that the infotainment-heavy interior requires adjustment and that build quality consistency has historically drawn mixed reactions, but the overall verdict tends to be strongly favorable for buyers prioritizing technology and driving dynamics.
- The 2023 Model S earns a perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100, the highest possible score in the Exceptional band, making it one of the top-rated vehicles in our federal dataset.
- Rollover protection is rated 5 out of 5 stars, aided by the structural benefit of a low center of gravity created by the floor-mounted battery pack common to all Model S vehicles.
- Frontal and side crash-test star ratings are listed as not rated in the data we cover for this model year, so shoppers should consult NHTSA and IIHS directly to confirm whether additional independent crash testing is available.
- There are zero recalls and zero owner complaints on record for the 2023 Model S in our dataset, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. While encouraging, a low complaint count on a lower-volume luxury vehicle should be read with that context in mind.